uneeq -“As you can tell, I am only assuming for arguments sake (since I don’t have evidence on hand to prove to others) that he isn’t a criminal.”
Very good -this is called being Dan L’caf Zecus.
“Again, good riddance can mean that I am happy that he’s away and the problem is partially solved. Not necessarily that I’m happy that he’s in prison.”
It could mean that, but noone has to assume that. A person is Not allowed to do Maras Ayin. If an article comes out saying s/o was put in jail and then s/o says “Good Riddance”, it is upto the poster or article writer to explain their words. So YWN should issue an explanation on their headline!